Modern Foreign Languages

The study of Modern Foreign Languages (French, German, Spanish, Italian) aims to develop students’ communicative language skills and to explore the interdependence between language and culture enabling students to derive enjoyment from language learning. Modern Foreign Language skills are developed across three inter-related strands: communicative competence; language awareness; and socio-cultural knowledge and intercultural awareness.

The public consultation into the Early Insights Review of the Junior Cycle Modern Foreign Languages specification is now open.

NCCA is seeking the views of a range of parties, including education stakeholders, practising teachers and students who are interested in contributing to this Early Insights Review.

There are several ways to participate in the consultation:

• Via this Online Survey

Make a written submission, using this template, via consultations@ncca.ie Please use "JC Modern Foreign Languages Written Submission" in the subject line. 

• Register to attend a regional focus group 

Dublin: Ashling Hotel - 21st March
Limerick: Strand Hotel - 14th March
Galway city: Harbour Hotel - 28th March

These focus groups will take place during the day from 10:30am - 1:00pm. Places are limited and registration remains open until one week in advance of each focus group.

This review process will close on Friday, 31st March at 5pm

All of the feedback will be analysed and an Early Insights report will be published. The feedback gained from this review will help to inform any changes that may be made to the specification.

Further information:

Junior Cycle Modern Foreign Languages Specification

Junior Cycle Modern Foreign Languages Assessment Guidelines

 

The Specification for Junior Cycle Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) aims to develop communicative language skills broadly aligned with the A band (A1 to A2, basic user) of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and its descriptors. It also aims to enable students to explore the interdependence between language and culture, to develop their appreciation of the relevance of languages to their lives for personal, social, educational, vocational and leisure purposes, and to derive enjoyment from language learning.

Junior Cycle MFL specification, Assessment Guidelines and Examples of Work are available here.

The Junior Cycle MFL specification was introduced into schools in September 2017. The development of the specification began in 2015.

The background paper and consultation report for Junior Cycle MFL explores the development of the subject at junior cycle; highlights good practice at home and abroad; and to uses evidence-based research to inform the revision of the specification.


The MFL Development Group consists of the nominees from a range of education stakeholders including teacher and management bodies, Department of Education and Skills, and the State Examinations Commission. Reports of development group meetings can be accessed here.

A draft Junior Cycle MFL specification was developed and sent out for public consultation.

Information on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is available here.